Tips on Relocating to Lake Charles Louisiana

Lake Charles LA is located within Calcasieu Parish (pronounced KAL-cah-soo) and is just east of the Texas border along Interstate 10.

The French Connection

The area's modern-day history began in the mid-1700s, when it became a refuge for French Catholics  from Nova Scotia who sought religious freedom and a safe place to maintain their culture, lifestyle and sense of community. Ultimately, they fled to Louisiana, which was Catholic. It was also under French and Spanish rule at the time. These residents were referred to as  Acadians which  eventually evolved into "Cajun" and our region is now home to  the culture and history of Zydeco music,  Mardi Gras celebrations, and Louisiana seafood and spicy cooking!

The Nature of SWLA

Cypress trees create a stunning landscape  at the 1,087-acre Sam Houston Jones State Park ,  located at 107 Sutherland Rd., Lake Charles LA.

You can make a half-day or full-day trip here -- enjoying the picnic sites and nature trails. Outdoor lovers might overnight at the campground or book a cabin. 

Niblett’s Bluff Park (www.niblettsbluffpark.com) is a scenic day park near Vinton, LA. It overlooks the Sabine River and is the former site of the Civil-War era Fort Nibletts. Re-enactments are held periodically.

History's Treasures

A majestic, 400-year-old live oak tree still shades the back yard of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum (www.imperialcalcasieumuseum.org).

This small but excellent museum occupies the site where early settler Charles Sallier built his homestead; Sallier is the man for whom Lake Charles was named.

Downtown Lake Charles is home to  historic courthouses, and growing with the development of the Boardwalk and down-home restaurants.

Vegas Style Gaming

Lake Charles is the home to the Casino resort  L’Auberge Casino Resort (www.ldlcasino.com) 777 Avenue L'Auberge,

A destination unto itself, L'Auberge in Lake Charles, LA  features 24-hour, Las Vegas-style action.   L'Auberge also attracts visitors to its spa, lazy river, shops, Tou Lou Lou's Beach and Marina, and multiple restaurants. 

Regional Events 

Mardi Gras is a big deal in Southwestern Louisiana. Lake Charles' Mardi Gras, boasting 50 krewes, is Louisiana's second largest. Only New Orleans' celebration is bigger. Local Mardi Gras events typically include a lighted boat parade, children’s parade, a block party and plenty of King Cake!

The first two weeks of May, a 12-day Contraband Days Pirate Festival remembers the notorious Jean Lafitte and his band of buccaneers.

The story goes that Lafitte and his pirates fled ships on the coast and hid along the waterways of Lake Charles. Legend says their treasure trove of silver and gold is buried somewhere within Lafitte's favorite hideaway, Contraband Bayou.

Learn more about Lake Charles lifestyles, things to do in Lake Charles LA , Lake Charles LA communities and more by visiting Lake Charles and  Lake Charles Homes